Almost everyone is offended by everything; if something simply exists, someone can and must be offended by it. Such is the case with one of Calvin Klein’s new ads (NSFW-ish), where a fairly young model is looking down at someone who is looking up at her exposed underwear under her dress, with the caption “I flash in #mycalvins.”
The reaction to CK’s spring 2016 campaign has been brutal, but they, and a small percentage of the public, need to calm down. There is nothing sexist, misogynistic or creepy about this ad.
The general consensus of the lambasting has been that this type of advertising invites men to sneak a peek at a women’s goods without consent and that the sexualized imagery promotes the idea that women aren’t more than things to be ogled at. In actuality, it’s the opposite.
The model in question is 22, well above the age of consent in every country on earth, and consent it is. The woman is flashing for the onlooker by her volition; there is no prying or forced entry. The point of the ad, that many have missed, is that the Calvin Klein clothes give her the confidence to show off her body and decide her own fate.
It’s interesting that feminists are demonizing this -- it's essentially the symbol of female empowerment. Of course, the next question is: What about the ads for men?
No one cares about Calvin Klein’s incredibly sexualized male advertisements, not even men. The most iconic and revealing CK ads are the ones of men, and yet none of them are ever talked about as “hypersexualized,” “immoral” or “disgusting.” This vendetta against “over-sexualized” female images has come and gone over the decade, but recently sprung up because of the popularity of third-wave feminism. Yet, this time, it’s a trend of people being offended for others.
The model isn’t offended. She volunteered and got paid to take the picture. Men aren’t offended, nor the general populace of women. Calvin Klein certainly isn’t offended or feels remorse. This “controversy” has provided them with an insane amount of social media exposure and, if anything, this will only increase their sales; they will be reading your angry comments on the way to the bank.
The only ones who are offended are the ones who get offended by everything and believe that their offense must be transferred to everyone or they will take it upon themselves to “fix” the “injustices” set against them.
If you’re offended by this ad, you have no idea how Calvin Klein functions; sex and controversy are their thing. If you really, really hate them, don’t buy their clothes. However, this ad campaign is neither problematic or anything new and shouldn’t be taken as such.
